Board Statement re COVID-19 Misinformation:
Position Statement re COVID-19 Misinformation.pdf
COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) presented all of us with unparalleled challenges.
Our licensed osteopathic physicians and physician assistants continue to provide care to the citizens of Maine while Board staff continues its work. We are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety and good health of everyone. Currently, if you must visit the office, please reach out via e-mail first as most State employees are working remotely. Electronic submission of documents is encouraged whenever possible.
Staff is most readily available via e-mail (osteo.pfr@maine.gov or susan.e.strout@mane.gov). The best phone to reach staff at is 207/446-4205 (Board cell). If no answer, please leave a message which will be returned as soon as possible.
Below is a copy of the Executive Order signed by Governor Mills on March 20, 2020 regarding licensure here in Maine during the public health emergency.
Physician and physician assistant renewals were extended until 30 days following the expiration of the March 20, 2020 Proclamation of State of Emergency (#16 FY19/20). The State of Emergency ended on June 30, 2021.
Mandatory supervisory or collaborative practice requirements for qualified physician assistants who were assisting with the health care response to COVID-19 were suspended;
Many laws and/or rules related to state medical record privacy and HIPAA that might interfere with the use of telemedicine and/or telehealth technology were suspended.
Please review the entire Executive Order (which ended on June 30, 2021) as the above is only a brief synopsis.
Resources:
CDC COVID-19 Updates:
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/airborne/coronavirus.shtml
Maine Responds Emergency Health Volunteer System:
Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP):
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/public-health-systems/phep
Department of Health & Human Services:
Emergency Rules pursuant to the public health emergency can be found at: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/emergency.shtml#anchor2225289.
Federal: From the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services:
Medicare Telemedicine Health Care Provider Fact Sheet can be found at: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-telemedicine-health-care-provider-fact-sheet.